[upsavr]

Guys
I will be going party boat bottom fishing out of the Atlantic Highlands. Would someone be able to provide some input on a reel to use. I will be fishing for stripers, fluke, and then blackfish.

I am looking at the Shimano Cardiff as well as the Calcutta (not TE series). Can the Cardif do what I need a reel to do? Or do I need to pony up the money for a Calcutta?

Thank

 

[DonRichie]

I use the Calcutta 400B. The Avet 5.8 is another option. American made and solid as a rock.

 

[Fishalicious]

Penn Jigmaster is all you need and a stout rod. Most party boats don't like to see braided line because of the nasty tangles, so stick with mono. Have fun!

 

[secjurny]

If your not going to fish that much off a party boat just rent one from the boat for the day.....other than that Fishalicious said it perfect..

 

[upsavr]

But what about the Cardiff and Calcutta?

 

[secjurny]

I really like the Calcutta....but I use newell 220 and advet SX........

 

[flounderjoe]

pretty good advice from fishalicious . One can probably sink all the head boats in New York and Jersey with the amount of fish over the years that have been caught on the Penn jigmaster.It trully is all you will need for bottom fishin ,jiggin. and livelining.

 

[upsavr]

What about the Daiwa Luna? 253 or 300?
Is 253 @11 pound drag strong enough for stripers? Is the 300 @ 15 pound drag overkill for fluke?

Also, what is the main difference between the curado and calcutta?

Thanks

 

[Skeet]

The Luna 300 would be a better choice mostly because it is a bit larger and will provide you with a better grip and better balance on a heavier rod. I have used both for fluke and stripers and drag is really not an issue with either reel. I use the 253 with my lighter set-up and the 300 for most of my fishing. Generally unless it is really blowing or a strong tide, i will use the 253 if fishing less than 50'.. once i go deeper than that I will pick up the 300. This is mainly because of the rod weight and how much lead I am draggin and not because of the reel.